The following story is the result from a workshop that took place in June 2025 at Durham Oriental Museum. The exercise was a collaboration between human based and technological decision making. The purpose of this digital folklore is not only to entertain but to create discussion around the ideas of fate, free will, creation, the role of technology in society and its impacts on both humans and non humans alike.

The Tale of Sal the Horse Whisperer and the Vampire Rabbit

Long ago, in the misty moors of Northeast England, where the wind howls and the shadows twist, there lived a remarkable young soul named Sal. At 22, Sal was famed across the land as a horse whisperer—able to calm the wildest stallion with a mere word. Yet, Sal harboured a secret: though their mind raced with the speed of the wind, and their hands could guide a horse to leap like the tide, Sal could not walk. Instead, they rode everywhere atop their loyal horse, Bramble, moving swifter than any runner in the shire.

Sal’s closest companion was Zhuangyan, a wise traveler from distant lands, whose knowledge of the sea and stars was unmatched. Together, they roamed the countryside, helping those in need and seeking adventure.

The Vampire Rabbit’s Warning

One moonless night, as Sal and Zhuangyan rested near the ancient city of Newcastle, a strange figure appeared—a rabbit with long, sharp fangs and eyes that glowed crimson. This was the legendary Vampire Rabbit, guardian of secrets and protector of the land.

“Beware,” the Rabbit whispered, “for deep beneath the sea, a darkness stirs. Lord Pickle, the Beast of Picklebarrel Bastion, seeks to mine the ocean’s heart, poisoning the water and awakening ancient curses. Only those swift of mind and pure of heart can stop him.”

Sal and Zhuangyan pledged to help. The Rabbit, seeing their honesty, gifted Sal a silver bridle. “This will grant you the speed of the storm, but only if your intentions remain true.”

The Descent to the Deep

Guided by the Rabbit’s wisdom, Sal and Zhuangyan journeyed to the stormy coast, where Lord Pickle’s machines churned the waves. The Beast himself was a monstrous figure, clad in brine-soaked armor, with eyes as cold as the North Sea.

“Who dares challenge me?” Lord Pickle bellowed, his voice echoing from the cliffs.

Sal, atop Bramble, answered boldly, “We come to protect the sea and its secrets. Your greed will poison the world.”

Lord Pickle sneered. “You, who cannot even walk, think to stop me?”

But Sal’s strength was not in their legs, but in their heart and their speed. With Zhuangyan’s guidance and the silver bridle’s magic, Sal and Bramble dashed between the mining machines, outpacing Lord Pickle’s every move. Zhuangyan, clever and calm, sabotaged the machines with knots and clever tricks.

Yet, when the final confrontation came, Lord Pickle cornered them in a cave of black stone. “You cannot win,” he growled. “I have power, and you have only words.”

Sal looked Lord Pickle in the eye and spoke honestly. “You mine not for need, but for greed. The sea is not yours to take. If you continue, you will bring ruin not just to us, but to yourself.”

For a moment, Lord Pickle hesitated. The truth in Sal’s words echoed in the cave, louder than any threat. The Vampire Rabbit appeared once more, its eyes glowing with approval.

“Honesty is the best policy,” the Rabbit intoned. “It can tame even the wildest beast.”

Shamed by the truth, Lord Pickle relented. He ordered his machines stopped and left the coast in peace.

The Moral

From that day, the sea was safe, and the people remembered Sal and Zhuangyan’s courage. The Vampire Rabbit watched over them, knowing that honesty and speed of heart could overcome even the darkest of threats.

And so, in the wilds of Northeast England, it is said: When faced with monsters, speak the truth, for honesty is the best policy—and it just might save the world.